Between Us

Two

The first thing that came to my mind when Niko extended his hand to me, was to run. I didn't understand what he was trying to do.

Did he think he could easily change my mind about something I'd been planning for months? Apparently, yes, because when I made no move to touch him, he shifted closer.

I don't know what it was. Maybe it was the genuine look in his eyes. Or the fact that he was not backing down, that made me shake his hand.

As soon as I made contact, a warm feeling travelled up my arm and I shivered. In the cold weather he was the only source of warmth.

"Great!" he exclaimed, letting go and standing up. He brushed off the back of his thighs and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "C'mon, I'll drop you off home. My car's just-"

I stood up, dusting myself off.

"Thanks, but I can get back on my own," I said, cutting him off. His expression wavered and I knew that I didn't trust him completely.

He shrugged. "The pavement is pretty far from here. Believe me, it's not a problem."

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. The breeze was still going strong and my toes were numb. Taking the easy way out, I nodded.

I didn't know how it was possible, but Niko's smile widened as we walked through the dense forest, before stumbling onto the main road. A black jeep was parked nearby.

Niko led me to the passenger door and pulled it open. As I sat inside and he shut the door, the aroma of coffee hit me hard. I inhaled it and breathed out, watching the fog where the road disappeared.

We drove for a while before I spoke.

"Sierra."

"What?" He asked, turning to me.

"My name is Sierra."

Niko smiled, showing pearly white teeth. I noticed the slight crooked canine that stood out from the rest.

"So," he began, "how did you find that place- the bridge I mean," he said, focusing his eyes on the road ahead.

I adjusted the seatbelt as it dug into my chest and said, "I found it when I was younger. I got lost and waited there until the police picked me up."

Niko nodded. "I discovered it by accident a few weeks ago. I go there when I want to think, or just need some quiet time away from the city," he  stated, glancing at the rearview mirror.

We were silent as Niko drove to the intersection that exited into a road littered with  shops. He slowed, letting a runner pass by.

"Do you know the closest hotel here?"

He shifted his body to me, immediately pushing the brakes. I jolted forward but the seatbelt pulled taunt, stabilising my entire body.

His eyes were neutral, questioning.

"Did you-" he paused, running a hand through his hair again. I noticed the skin at his wrist was lighter then the rest.

He cleared his throat and asked, "did you runaway from home?"

I couldn't stand the pity in his eyes, so I turned away. A gruff man in a tracksuit was walking his dog on my right.

"Yeah, so?" I muttered defensively. Why was he so shocked?

He didn't say anything as he started the engine again.

After what seemed like hours, he turned into a quiet street where all the lamp posts were lit up brightly. I stared in awe at the rows of houses. They were huge. Mouth open, my gaze raked over the white and grey buildings that towered on either side of me.

Niko stopped the car at the end of the street. It was a dead end, but the house on the edge was by far the most grand out of all the others.

"Wow," I breathed. Then felt my cheeks redden as he glanced at me and smiled. My heartbeat quickened at his expression.

We got out as he parked the car in the garage. The doors automatically came down with a gentle sound.

I followed Niko to the door as if in a trance and then stopped, realising what was happening.

"Wait," I said. Niko was a step ahead of me and stopped, but didn't turn around.

I saw his shoulders rise and then relax as he turned around, already done unlocking the door.

"You can stay here for the night."

He shrugged and I wanted to shove him and race back down the road, back the way we had come.

"Look, one week is all I'm asking. If you find a place to stay before that, then I won't stop you. But it's late and there aren't any hotels for a few miles."

I blinked, deep in thought.

I couldn't go home and there was nowhere else to stay for the night. The town around me was foreign and I didn't even trust Niko all that much.

But I had no choice.

I nodded and Niko gestured for me to come in as he stepped over the threshold.

He was saying something about living alone. But I wasn't listening. I couldn't tear my eyes away from my surroundings.

"Sierra?"

My eyes met his and he smirked, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Huh?"

"Nothing," he finished, still smiling.

My heart was flip-flopping in my chest. And I couldn't figure out if it was the grand layout of the house.

Or the fact that I was talking to a stranger who made me believe that human kindness did exist.